Community Workshops
Transforming Highly Reactive Relationships
with Helene Igwebuike
Date: Friday, December 8, 2023 | Time: 9am-11am Arizona time (MST)
Location: Online
Cost: $25 for AZEFT members | $45 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 2 hours
This workshop will focus on how to help couples transform reactivity to a resource for self-regulation and co-regulation. We will cover key concepts and interventions for effectively holding both partners and their triggered aspects of self so they can share their vulnerability from a place of greater awareness, compassion and clarity. You will become more skillful in intervening to help partners regulate their reactive emotions in the heat of the moment and transform reactivity to connectivity, curiosity and accessible responsive engaged (ARE) communication. Demonstrations will be used to model the different approaches. No prior EFT training is required to attend is open to all therapists who are working with highly reactive couples!
Learning objectives:
1. Build confidence in stepping in and holding reactive partners by using early signs of reactivity as an ally to interrupt and slow down intense dysregulation and escalation.
2. Learn how to help partners embrace and voice their vulnerability rather than project rigidly held beliefs and rehash historical coping strategies that reinforce adversarial pattern of relating.
3. Transform anger, shame, blame, panic and overwhelm using attachment lens, ‘parts’ work and an embodied approach to assembling and distilling core emotions that helps advocate for the unmet needs of the tender wounded aspects of self.
Helene Igwebuike is an Integrative Counsellor and ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer, as well as one of the co-founders of the British EFT Centre (BEFT). Helene is passionately committed to helping couples and individuals heal and transform the relationship with self and others by relating in open-hearted ways that build trust, emotional closeness, physical intimacy, personal and relational wellbeing. Helene is of mixed Nigerian and Danish heritage and has a wonderfully diverse cosmopolitan worldwide online practice from her base in London, England. Helene loves spreading her love of EFT by training therapists in the EFT model.
Location: Online
Cost: $25 for AZEFT members | $45 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 2 hours
This workshop will focus on how to help couples transform reactivity to a resource for self-regulation and co-regulation. We will cover key concepts and interventions for effectively holding both partners and their triggered aspects of self so they can share their vulnerability from a place of greater awareness, compassion and clarity. You will become more skillful in intervening to help partners regulate their reactive emotions in the heat of the moment and transform reactivity to connectivity, curiosity and accessible responsive engaged (ARE) communication. Demonstrations will be used to model the different approaches. No prior EFT training is required to attend is open to all therapists who are working with highly reactive couples!
Learning objectives:
1. Build confidence in stepping in and holding reactive partners by using early signs of reactivity as an ally to interrupt and slow down intense dysregulation and escalation.
2. Learn how to help partners embrace and voice their vulnerability rather than project rigidly held beliefs and rehash historical coping strategies that reinforce adversarial pattern of relating.
3. Transform anger, shame, blame, panic and overwhelm using attachment lens, ‘parts’ work and an embodied approach to assembling and distilling core emotions that helps advocate for the unmet needs of the tender wounded aspects of self.
Helene Igwebuike is an Integrative Counsellor and ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Couple Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer, as well as one of the co-founders of the British EFT Centre (BEFT). Helene is passionately committed to helping couples and individuals heal and transform the relationship with self and others by relating in open-hearted ways that build trust, emotional closeness, physical intimacy, personal and relational wellbeing. Helene is of mixed Nigerian and Danish heritage and has a wonderfully diverse cosmopolitan worldwide online practice from her base in London, England. Helene loves spreading her love of EFT by training therapists in the EFT model.
Intimate Partner Violence: Fighting for a Safer Connection in EFT
with Jef Slootmaeckers
Date: Friday, March 1, 2023 | Time: 9am-11 am Arizona time (MST)
Location: Online
Cost: $35 for AZEFT members | $50 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 2 hours
Research shows that intimate partner violence, or situational couples violence, is rather frequent, even more so in couples seeking couples therapy. However, the subject of violence often remains hidden for the therapist. Or, due to contraindication, couples seeking therapy are refused treatment.
The vision of this workshop is that, in many couples, the underlying entrenched negative interaction patterns are paramount in the violence. These patterns form a challenge for many a therapist in working with these couples. However, sometimes violence between partners is the subject of the therapeutic process. In these circumstances, couples desire therapists to work toward a safer relationship, where they can stop the violence and stay together. How can this be approached when violence is often seen as a contraindication for couples therapy and EFT?
Based on new scientific knowledge about intimated partner violence and their experience, Jef worked with Lieven Migerode to come to a better understanding of this difficult relational drama. In this workshop, Jef will introduce an EFT roadmap of how to conceptualize intimate partner violence from an attachment point of view.
Learning Objectives:
Participates will...
• Deepen their understanding situational couples violence from an attachment lens.
• Integrate the EFT approach in working with violent couples.
• Learn to incorporate violence within the negative cycle.
• Identify specific interventions to create safety in sessions with violent couples.
• Organize their work with violent couples in different steps in the process to help them de-escalate.
• Increase confidence working with situational couples violence.
Jef Slootmaeckers, LMFT, is an EFT Therapist, Supervisor, and Trainer. He is a member of ICEEFT and director of EFT Belgium. Jef has worked for 14 years with partner violence couples, and he trains several teams all over the world in working with intimate partner violence. Together with Lieven Migerode, he published several articles about partner violence and couple therapy. To read some of his research visit, here and here.
Location: Online
Cost: $35 for AZEFT members | $50 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 2 hours
Research shows that intimate partner violence, or situational couples violence, is rather frequent, even more so in couples seeking couples therapy. However, the subject of violence often remains hidden for the therapist. Or, due to contraindication, couples seeking therapy are refused treatment.
The vision of this workshop is that, in many couples, the underlying entrenched negative interaction patterns are paramount in the violence. These patterns form a challenge for many a therapist in working with these couples. However, sometimes violence between partners is the subject of the therapeutic process. In these circumstances, couples desire therapists to work toward a safer relationship, where they can stop the violence and stay together. How can this be approached when violence is often seen as a contraindication for couples therapy and EFT?
Based on new scientific knowledge about intimated partner violence and their experience, Jef worked with Lieven Migerode to come to a better understanding of this difficult relational drama. In this workshop, Jef will introduce an EFT roadmap of how to conceptualize intimate partner violence from an attachment point of view.
Learning Objectives:
Participates will...
• Deepen their understanding situational couples violence from an attachment lens.
• Integrate the EFT approach in working with violent couples.
• Learn to incorporate violence within the negative cycle.
• Identify specific interventions to create safety in sessions with violent couples.
• Organize their work with violent couples in different steps in the process to help them de-escalate.
• Increase confidence working with situational couples violence.
Jef Slootmaeckers, LMFT, is an EFT Therapist, Supervisor, and Trainer. He is a member of ICEEFT and director of EFT Belgium. Jef has worked for 14 years with partner violence couples, and he trains several teams all over the world in working with intimate partner violence. Together with Lieven Migerode, he published several articles about partner violence and couple therapy. To read some of his research visit, here and here.
The Ethical Tightrope: Navigating Challenges in EFT
with Bonnie Lewis, LMFT
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 | Time: 9am-12 pm Arizona time (MST)
Location: In-Person (Location TBD)
Cost: $45 for AZEFT members | $55 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Count for AzBBHE's ethics CEUs licensure renewal.
Workshop Description Forthcoming.
Learning Objectives Forthcoming.
Bonnie Lewis, LMFT, is a Certified EFT Therapist and EFT Supervisor-In-Training. Practicing since 2014, one of Bonnie’s passions is teaching and mentorship. As an approved Supervisor with the AZBBHE and Clinical Director at Therapy with Heart, she enjoys providing supervision to practicing professionals in their journey towards obtaining their license. Bonnie has worked as a teacher’s assistant and is currently an adjunct professor and group supervisor at Fuller Theological Seminary for the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program. She facilitates couples workshops like Hold Me Tight and Created for Connection to help couples remove stumbling blocks to vulnerability to then be able to go deeper in their connection, resulting in their relationship being a source of healing. She was the Director of Training for AZEFT Board and is actively involved in the EFT Community. When not working, Bonnie cherishes the time with her husband and two daughters. She values her family, time outdoors, reading, traveling, being active, and connecting with her community.
Location: In-Person (Location TBD)
Cost: $45 for AZEFT members | $55 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Count for AzBBHE's ethics CEUs licensure renewal.
Workshop Description Forthcoming.
Learning Objectives Forthcoming.
Bonnie Lewis, LMFT, is a Certified EFT Therapist and EFT Supervisor-In-Training. Practicing since 2014, one of Bonnie’s passions is teaching and mentorship. As an approved Supervisor with the AZBBHE and Clinical Director at Therapy with Heart, she enjoys providing supervision to practicing professionals in their journey towards obtaining their license. Bonnie has worked as a teacher’s assistant and is currently an adjunct professor and group supervisor at Fuller Theological Seminary for the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program. She facilitates couples workshops like Hold Me Tight and Created for Connection to help couples remove stumbling blocks to vulnerability to then be able to go deeper in their connection, resulting in their relationship being a source of healing. She was the Director of Training for AZEFT Board and is actively involved in the EFT Community. When not working, Bonnie cherishes the time with her husband and two daughters. She values her family, time outdoors, reading, traveling, being active, and connecting with her community.
Mindful Tango: EFT Approaches to ADHD Neurodiversity
with Elizabeth Gillespie, LMFT
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024 | Time: 9am-12 pm AZ time (MST)
Location: Online
Cost: $35 for AZEFT members | $50 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Workshop Description:
As our understanding of ADHD has grown in the last ten to twenty years, we are seeing more clients with a diagnosis of ADHD seeking support with their partners. Given the significant impact of ADHD on an individual’s life and their relationships, we as EFT therapists have the unique opportunity to offer an experience of acceptance, empathy, and an organized, connected presence that is especially needed for clients with a diagnosis of ADHD.
Learning Objectives:
Participates will be able to...
Elizabeth Gillespie, LMFT, is a Certified EFT couple and family therapist, and the owner of a private practice in Colorado that among other things, provides neuro-affirming support to neurodivergent clients and their families. Married with three children, she has experience with ADHD on both sides of the therapy room, and is passionate about increasing the EFT community’s understanding and recognition of ADHD in the therapy room.
Location: Online
Cost: $35 for AZEFT members | $50 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Workshop Description:
As our understanding of ADHD has grown in the last ten to twenty years, we are seeing more clients with a diagnosis of ADHD seeking support with their partners. Given the significant impact of ADHD on an individual’s life and their relationships, we as EFT therapists have the unique opportunity to offer an experience of acceptance, empathy, and an organized, connected presence that is especially needed for clients with a diagnosis of ADHD.
Learning Objectives:
Participates will be able to...
- List some identifying characteristics of ADHD and how they might present in your couple’s work.
- Describe ways EFT work is helpful for neurodivergent clients, and ways that the neurodivergent brain may need support in experiential, emotion focused work of EFT.
- Explain how to remain neuro-affirming while also supporting dialogue between partners and families about the impact of the diagnosis on the system.
Elizabeth Gillespie, LMFT, is a Certified EFT couple and family therapist, and the owner of a private practice in Colorado that among other things, provides neuro-affirming support to neurodivergent clients and their families. Married with three children, she has experience with ADHD on both sides of the therapy room, and is passionate about increasing the EFT community’s understanding and recognition of ADHD in the therapy room.
Turning Up the Heat: Sexual Intimacy and EFT
with Valerie Southwick, LPC
Date: Winter 2024 | Time: 9am-12 pm AZ time (MST)
Location: In-Person (Location TBA)
Cost: $45 for AZEFT members | $55 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Workshop Description Forthcoming:
Learning Objectives Forthcoming:
Valerie Alston-Southwick, LPC, specializes in repairing relationships using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She also employs EMDR for trauma recovery and has received specialized training from the American Association of Sex Addiction Therapy (AASAT), focusing on sex addiction, pornography issues, and affair recovery.
Location: In-Person (Location TBA)
Cost: $45 for AZEFT members | $55 for non-members
** 20% discount offered to group practices of 5 or more who each register for the event; email us for the discount code
Certificate of Attendance: 3 hours
Workshop Description Forthcoming:
Learning Objectives Forthcoming:
Valerie Alston-Southwick, LPC, specializes in repairing relationships using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She also employs EMDR for trauma recovery and has received specialized training from the American Association of Sex Addiction Therapy (AASAT), focusing on sex addiction, pornography issues, and affair recovery.
PRESENTATION RECORDING INFORMATION:
AZEFT is unable to guarantee if this presentation will be recorded, since that decision is at the discretion of the speaker at the time of the presentation. If any portion of this presentation is recorded, it will only be made available to members of our AZEFT community through our members-only video library. Please note, recordings do not include video clips from therapy sessions or breakout group activities, and viewers of the recording do not receive a certificate of attendance.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
In the event that you have paid for an upcoming event but are not able to attend, you may request a refund up to 30 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be received in writing via email to: azeftcommunity@gmail.com. Requests received at least 30 days prior to the start of the event will receive a full refund of the registration minus any Eventbrite administrative fees. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the event.
AZEFT is unable to guarantee if this presentation will be recorded, since that decision is at the discretion of the speaker at the time of the presentation. If any portion of this presentation is recorded, it will only be made available to members of our AZEFT community through our members-only video library. Please note, recordings do not include video clips from therapy sessions or breakout group activities, and viewers of the recording do not receive a certificate of attendance.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
In the event that you have paid for an upcoming event but are not able to attend, you may request a refund up to 30 days prior to the event. Refund requests must be received in writing via email to: azeftcommunity@gmail.com. Requests received at least 30 days prior to the start of the event will receive a full refund of the registration minus any Eventbrite administrative fees. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the event.